“I just don’t understand why they’re acting like this.” This is a sentiment shared by many allistic (non-autistic) partners who are dating or in a relationship with an autistic individual. Being in a neurodiverse relationship can be challenging, especially when the partners do not fully understand each other. Today, I want to take a moment and address some of the issues that are frequently brought up during autism therapy and talk about how acceptance is an antidote to these concerns.…
My blog is all about neurodiversity. I have written many blog series on different aspects of neurodiversity, such as social skills in the workplace, women with autism, and navigating college on the spectrum. You're welcome to visit my list of blog series to find the blog series that interest you most.
Autism Acceptance: Autism Parent
You’re an autism parent. This isn’t a label you thought you’d have, yet here you are celebrating autism acceptance month. Many parents go through the stages of grief when they find out that their child is on the autism spectrum. It is normal and understandable as they are grieving the loss of a neurotypical identity and the future they expected for their child.…
Autism Acceptance Month: Notes for Neurotypical Individuals
As you may already know the month of April is when we celebrate autism. Some used to refer to this month as “Autism Awareness Month.” But, now there is a growing movement to refer to it as “Autism Acceptance Month.” Because, it is one thing to be aware that autism exists, and it’s another to truly accept and validate autism traits.…
Understanding Autism Therapy Using the Internal Family Systems Model
As an autism therapist, I have been asked by clients and other professionals to describe my approach to autism therapy. Throughout my career, I have researched many different therapeutic approaches to determine what would be best for the neurodivergent clients I serve. I have found Internal Family Systems or IFS to be a powerfully effective way to help clients manage anxiety, and improve mood, self-esteem, and interpersonal communication, and treat trauma.…
What Two Autism Therapists Wish You Understood About Autism
Written by Tasha Oswald PhD, and Erica Lee PsyD.
Happy April! As you may already know, it’s Autism Awareness Month. As autism therapists, there are so many things we want you to know about autism and neurodiversity. Yet, what really sticks out is that autism and neurodiversity are often misunderstood. These misconceptions can make life challenging for someone on the spectrum.…
Autism in Women: Embracing Your Autistic Identity
The month of March is Women’s History Month. Women with autism face many challenges, but they also have so many gifts to offer others if they’re able to embrace their neurodiversity. Today, I want to talk about ways you can embrace your autism and honor your unique skills and perspective to change the world around you.…
Autism in Women: Getting an Accurate Diagnosis
In previous blogs, we discussed some of the reasons why women with high-functioning autism are commonly misdiagnosed or diagnosed later in life. Unfortunately, it can be quite challenging to find a competent mental health care provider to diagnose and provide quality therapy and support. Last week we talked about how autistic burnout and meltdowns often lead to a neuropsychological evaluation and an autism diagnosis.…
Is There Something Wrong with Me? Understanding Autistic Burnout
Many individuals, especially women, with high-functioning autism receive a diagnosis after going through autistic burnout and having a neuropsychological evaluation. As with many things regarding autism and neurodiversity, autistic burnout is often misunderstood. So, today I want to take a moment to discuss autistic burnout in more detail.
What is autistic burnout?
…Dealing with Conflict on the Autism Spectrum
Dealing with conflicts in your important relationships is challenging. Most teens and adults with high-functioning autism fear rejection and will do what they can to avoid it at all costs. So, when conflict arises, it can be extremely upsetting because it triggers feelings of rejection and shame. The instinct might be to avoid conflict.…
Making Friends When You’re On The Autism Spectrum
Making friends doesn’t come easy for everyone, especially when you’re neurodiverse. Often individuals with autism struggle to make friends because they’re fearful of being vulnerable, experiencing social anxiety, and struggle with the social skills necessary to make new friends. However, there are some simple things you can do to open your heart to new friendships that will enrich your life for years to come.…
- 1
- 2
- 3
- …
- 8
- Next Page »